It is always instructive to experience wines produced of universal grapes vinified in other countries. The variables can be astounding, rarely similar to the comfortable California style. In any event, here is your opportunity to approach wines from an intellectual prospective and learn something while satisfying thirst.

2014 Champalou Vouvray, Loire, France

LIST PRICE 22.00; OUR PRICE 19.95Harvest for these Chenin Blanc grapes occurs early in the morning and the fruit is then immediately pressed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel. A low temperature is kept while the wine rests on its lees in the cuvée for eleven months and then is bottled in September. This is very elegant styling of this grape.

2015 MAN Family Wines Chenin Blanc, South Africa

LIST PRICE 10.00; OUR PRICE 8.99The Agter-Paarl area is the ideal region for growing Chenin Blanc a grape that continues to impress wine drinkers not mired in the Cab/Chard/Merlot mold. MAN uses only free-run juice; the grape skins are not pressed and the Chenin Blanc is left on its lees for three to four months before bottling. This results in a richer, fuller mouth feel. The acidity and sweetness are perfectly balanced. Wine Enthusiast Magazine rated this wine among its “Top 100 best buys” in November 2015. Use with spicy curry dishes and rich seafood dishes.

2014 Chateau Bonnet Rosé, Bordeaux

LIST PRICE 10.00; OUR PRICE 7.99This rosé displays clear rose color with bright strawberry highlights. Careful vineyard management in 1914 rewarded the winery with excellent quality. The wine smells and tastes of vibrant strawberry and cherry. It is light bodied with crispy acidity and a long finish. The blend is 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon.

2013 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon, Loire, France

LIST PRICE 28.00; OUR PRICE 24.95The grapes for this wine come from a 30 year old vineyard of 10 acres a short distance from the Loire River. It has an interesting aroma of dark bread, violets, black pepper and cherry. In the mouth, the wine shows aromatic fruit, well balanced with its acid and laced with appropriate tannins. A wine has expressive character, most befitting its Cabernet Franc lineage.

2010 Siropoulos Porfyros Red Blend, Mantinia, Greece

LIST PRICE 23.00; OUR PRICE 19.99Since 1993, cultivation in Domaine Spiropoulos vineyards has met the “Organic Farming” requirements of EU farming. It was our pleasure to have the wine maker here recently to pour and discuss his wines in the framework of what is going on in Greece. This young man is talented. This week he dropped off two newly imported wines, his rosé and this red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Agiorgitico.

2012 Numanthia Termes, Toro, Spain

LIST PRICE 30.00; OUR PRICE 24.95​The wine is vibrant and fruity, perfectly expressing the Toro region. Extended maceration of the grape skins and reqular racking during 16 months’ ageing in French oak barrels give the wine a lively combination of fruit and structure. Toasted notes with cedar and spice frame a richly layered, juicy texture on the palate. The Wine Advocate rated it 90 points.

Zola asked to do the shopping for wines to accompany an Easter Dinner and below is the result. She chose what she would be comfortable serving with fish, fowl, lamb, ham or beef. Of course there are many variations on this theme but it is likely you have not tried any of these wines.

Graham Beck Brut, South Africa

LIST PRICE 18.00; OUR PRICE 15.95This nice sparkler received 90 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “The Non-Vintage Brut has pretty apricot and mango scents that are lively and vivacious. The palate is lively on the entry with crisp acidity; citrus peel on the entry proceeds to a terse but very focused finish.”

Graham Beck Brut Rosé, South Africa

LIST PRICE 18.00; OUR PRICE 15.95The Rosé displays aromas of raspberries, cherries and some whiffs of minerality. The lively mousse is fine in the mouth, with subtle red berry flavors enlivened by bright acids. It is brisk on the palate, showing hints of oyster shell and fresh lavender.

2014 Dancing Crow Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County

LIST PRICE 18.00; OUR PRICE 14.99This wine is simply a treat; it combines delicate floral high notes with ripe melon, citrus, mango, and guava suggestions. On the palate, it’s zippy and vigorous while offering juicy grapefruit and honeydew flavors. Its crisp acidity means it will pair well with almost any dish you can think of, too.

LIST PRICE 24.00; OUR PRICE 21.95​This is a uniquely-styled Cabernet from the Red Hills of Lake County. Opening with dark berry and mocha aromas, the palate soars high and bright with a great lift of cassis and sandalwood flavors. The acidity gives a breath of freshness that propels on to a prolonged, toffee-edged finish. This Cabernet is an embodiment of the land it comes from, displaying classic, dark, red fruit and spice flavors supported by supple, velvety tannins.

This Saturday we are taking a virtual tour of wine countries that lie south of the equator. You will be welcomed with a sparkler from Argentina and proceed with two whites from New Zealand and South Africa, then finish with three reds from Argentina, Chile and Australia. All of the wines selected are differing varietals, just to make it interesting. The many micro-climates tend to mirror those of the northern latitudes, yet the styles vary considerably, as you will experience.

Pascual Toso Brut Sparkling Wine, Argentina

LIST PRICE 11.00; OUR PRICE 9.99The yeasts used for this 100% Chardonnay sparkler integrate perfectly well with the varietal properties of the base wine, providing a delicate harmony. Pleasant, fresh and velvety in the mouth, this drinks so very easily. It is ideal for parties, especially backyard BBQs that feature Argentine style grilled meat!

2012 Babich Sauvignon Blanc, Black Label, Marlborough, New Zealand

LIST PRICE 12.99; OUR PRICE 10.99Family owned and operated Babich Wines was founded in 1916 by Croatian immigrant Josip Babich. This wine was developed to complement food and, while displaying the pungent and crisp characteristics that set Marlborough sourced fruit apart, shows great depth and complexity on the palate. The bouquet overflows with ripe gooseberry and red current aromas. The palate is big with an explosive array of fruit salad and red currants, which follow through from the nose and join with zesty lemon & lime – all complemented by elegant mineral notes. It is dry and crisp, yet generous and beautifully textured, and proceeds to a great length.

2010 De Zoete Inval Chardonnay, Paarl, South Africa

LIST PRICE 12.00; OUR PRICE 9.99De Zoete Inval, which means “a sweet falling” is a family winery located at the base of the Paarl valley on the banks of the Berg River in southern Paarl. The winery produces an easy to drink Chardonnay that features citrus and melon fruit. It is subtly oaked for added complexity and pairs well with light to medium flavored seafood dishes.

2011 Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserva, Mendoza, Argentina

LIST PRICE 11.50; OUR PRICE 9.99On the nose, this wine features good complexity where the Cabernet spiciness blends perfectly with mature fruit allowing plum and cherry aromas to stand out. Its oak ageing contributes by adding complexity to the wine. In the mouth it’s a full wine of subtle tannins. It has a long finish, where fruit flavors dominate and blend well with the sweet notes provided by the oak ageing.

2009 Montes Alpha Merlot, Colchagua Valley, Chile

LIST PRICE 22.00; OUR PRICE 19.99On the nose this Merlot presents aromas of red berries, especially of strawberries and cherries, accompanied by interesting violet notes. All this is perfectly blended with the coffee, tobacco and vanilla flavors, the result of its twelve months of oak aging. On the palate it’s a full-bodied wine, rich yet fresh and very soft-textured, with delicious plummy fruit flavors, dark berry fruit, chocolate notes and soft, elegant tannins. It has wine excellent finesse with a long, smooth and pleasant finish.

2010 d’Arenberg Shiraz, “The Footbolt”, McLaren Vale, Australia

LIST PRICE 19.95; OUR PRICE 17.99​Wine & Spirits Magazine gives this wine a 91-point rating: “Chester Osborn named this flagship shiraz after the racehorse his great grandfather sold to buy the vineyards that established d’Arenberg—now ranging over 1,200 acres of vines in McLaren Vale. The wine is meaty, along with plenty of cracked black peppercorn spice and violet florals. Completely wrapped in tannins, this is austere and savory, needing time to mellow. It is an intense young Shiraz and a great buy.”

There are many fine Cabs available in the under $20.00 category. Of course, none will provide you a Nirvana-like experience. Rather, they do satisfy the need for a well structured medium bodied red wine to accompany dishes requiring boldness. We will start off with a Cab Rosé to remind you of the many styles any grape varietal can be vinified. It is amazing how well the red wine grapes translate into Rosés, especially for service in the hot weeks of summer. As well, these Cabs we are to taste on Saturday are more appealing as summer reds over the weightiness of full blown Cabs.

2011 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, South AfricaList price 11.00; our price 9.99To achieve the desired color on the free run juice, the grapes were cold-macerated. After settling in tank, the juice was racked and inoculated with yeast cultures for fermentation. After fermentation the wine underwent lees contact, a light fining and filtration before bottling. The wine shows a lovely, bright and clear pomegranate color and has complex layers of strawberry, cherry, roses and fresh peaches on the nose. It has a nice, spicy and slightly peppery taste on the palate and is well balanced with a fresh long aftertaste.

2010 Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon, CaliforniaList price 9.95; our price 5.99The majority of grapes for this wine were grown in Paso Robles and the blend is 88%Cabernet, 9% Merlot, 3% Zinfandel and 1% Sangiovese. The wine shows aromas of plums, cranberries, allspice, dried ginger and cedar. In the mouth, one is reminded of boysenberry pie, black cherry preserves and currants. Medium in weight, the wine shows soft tannins and just a touch of barrel spice. This is a very nice barbeque wine.

2008 Graceland Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon “The King”, Calif.List price 13.50; our price 11.99Here is your typical California Cabernet, but with a great picture of Elvis Presley on the label. It is visually appealing with a vibrant, ruby red color. This wine is lush, ripe and juicy, with black cherry, current and blackberry fruit that’s smooth and focused. Subtle toasty oak flavors are accented by modest tannins that add to the overall balance of the wine.

2008 Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, ArgentinaList price 11.99; our price 10.75On the nose, this Cab features good complexity where the Cabernet spiciness blends perfectly with mature fruit allowing plum and cherry aromas to stand out. Its oak ageing contributes by adding complexity and sophistication to the wine. On the mouthfeel it’s a big wine where fruit flavors dominate and blend perfectly with the sweet notes provided by its oak ageing. The subtle tannins, contribute to a long succulent finish. The blend is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Malbec.

2009 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma CountyList price 15.50; our price 13.50This is one of the great buys in Cabernet Sauvignon from northern California. Sourced from Gallo’s Frei Ranch, Barelli Creek, Sunnybrook and the great Monte Rosso vineyard, it is composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Franc. Soft, round notes of plums, black cherry jam, licorice and roasted herbs soar from the glass of this perfumed Cabernet. This corpulent, plump, juicy, delicious, hedonistic effort should keep for up to a decade.

2009 Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon, Jack London Vineyard, Sonoma ValleyList price 25.00; our price 19.99​The newly released 2009 shows intricate aromas of fig, raspberry, black tea, thyme and bay leaf combining with a rich mouthfeel and bold tannins. The wine has a rich mouthfeel as well as powerful aromatics and fruit flavors. Delicious now, this Cabernet will continue to develop and improve for at least a decade. The elegant flavors complement a variety of hearty entrées, including steak, lamb and roasted meats.

We are following up last week’s selection of bargain California wines with an equally fine selection of imported wines that stretch the dollar and appease the appetite for cheerful tasty wines in the $10.00 range. We carefully choose all our wines with equal attention being paid to this category. Join us for a fun afternoon soirée dedicated to the pursuit of wine excellence, or just stop by and drink some wine.

2010 Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc, South AfricaList price 14.00; our price 11.99Abundant citrus and tropical fruit aromas follow through on the lively palate of this alluring Chenin Blanc. It’s packed with luscious, mouthwatering flavors of pear, pineapple, lychee, lemon, and lime as well as delicate floral and spice nuances resulting from the light oak treatment. A touch of late harvest Chenin Blanc adds considerable richness and complexity. Serve with shell fish, crab and any of the white fish, as well as poultry dishes.

2010 Bodegas Castaño Macabeo/Chardonnay, Yecla, SpainList price 11.00; our price 9.99Chardonnay is a relative newcomer to Spanish viticulture, whereas Viura, also known as Macabeo, has been grown in Spain for centuries and has a long tradition in various white-wine blends and Cavas. The wine is clean and delicate on the nose with aromas of white and tropical fruit (apples and pineapple), but also smoked notes. In the mouth, it is silky, round, well structured and long. The blend here is 50% Macabeo and 50% Chardonnay with the latter seeing 50 days of aging on wood. Try this wine with darker fish or preparations in red sauce and the same with chicken.

2010 P.K.N.T. Carmenère, Silver Collection, ChileList price 7.00; our price 5.99This is a unique and cheerful Chilean wine that is almost black in color, showing hints of exotic spices and a long velvety finish. The blueberry-like fruit plays well against the spices and culminates with a hint of chocolate. This is the ideal wine to serve with Tex-Mex or spicy foods, or with burgers or other barbeque fare, as well.

2006 Domaine de la Saint Jeante Corbières, FranceList price 9.50; our price 7.99This is a very nice blend from Corbières in the Languedoc of 50 % old vine Carignane, 30 % Grenache and 20 % Mourvèdre. The hue is of a deep ruby. The nose is expressive, with smells of black fruits and spices. The mouth is medium bodied and dry, with tasty spices and with a good structure. It goes well with a good southwestern cassoulet.

2010 Barone Fini Merlot, Trentino, ItalyList price 10.00; our price 8.99The Barone Fini family wine making history goes back six centuries and today is done in the most modern style. All of their wines are entirely grown and produced in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Northern Italy and their hillside vineyards average 25 to 30 years of age. Following all the strict guidelines of the Italian DOC, grapes are all hand picked and sorted manually before fermentation. This Merlot shows flavors of rich, ripe cherries and plums enriched by the smooth, deep, well-structured background. It is a beautifully balanced wine with a long, velvety finish.

2010 Bodegas Castaño Monastrell, Yecla, SpainList price 11.00; our price 9.99​This cuvée from Castaño is made from 100% Monastrell (Mourvèdre) from 30 year old vines. It is released young and is meant to be an easy drinking, everyday wine. It has a bright, fresh raspberry bouquet with dense, textured, cherry flavors on the palate and is well structured with supple, integrated tannins. This wine is a great match to simple, bistro-style fare but has enough body to hold up to hearty dishes including beef, game, and strong cheeses.

This is the perfect time of year, prior to the oppressive heat of our molten heat summer, to enjoy barbeques, to dine out on patios or simply to entertain outdoors with a glass of wine. The lush heavy wines that are so much a part of our vinous desires are best kept cool and in waiting. Most of us are now looking for easy to drink wines that are inexpensive to pour without being apprehensive of pulling yet another cork. Still, we insist the wine has to be very good.

2010 CROSSINGS SAUVIGNON BLANC, NEW ZEALANDList price 14.00; our price 9.99This racy Sauvignon Blanc is bright with well balanced acidity. Its fruit profile is pink grapefruit and passion fruit. A bouquet of dried cut grass with herb and stone flint compliment passion fruit and pungent citrusy aromas. The palate opens with a wonderfully vibrant freshness, developing floral and peachy aromas. Ripe zesty citrus flavors build through the succulent juicy acidity and signature minerality of the long finish. Pair this one with roasted asparagus, or with goat’s cheese.

2009 MSH CELLARS CHARDONNAY, RUTHERFORD, NAPA VALLEYList price 11.95; our price 9.99MSH is the secondary label of Source Napa or Gamble Family Vineyards. This Rutherford Chardonnay was made from their holdings in Napa and represents a good value for wine made from grapes from the Nirvana of wine that is Napa. The wine opens with aromas of lemon and cherry and tastes of citrus fruits. The finish is crisp and refreshing and towards the back of the palette it seems to be very rounded and doesn’t leave a tart taste.

2011 MULDERBOSCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON ROSÉ, SOUTH AFRICAList price 11.00; our price 9.99Year after year this wine from Mulderbosch is consistently a winner. The nose on this lovely rosé is very aromatic with tangerine peel, raspberry and wild strawberries. The palate has a lovely weight with pomegranate, floral spice and notes of grapefruit on the long dry finish.

2005 MURPHY VINEYARDS RED BLEND, SIERRA FOOTHILLSList price 14.00; special buy price 7.99This inviting blend begins with a floral and fruity candied nose and leads to luscious flavors of cherries, strawberries and allspice. Complex yet subtle, it’s a table wine with a long, smooth finish that can be served throughout the summer. The blend here is 51% Syrah, 45% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, which results in a complex wine with a broad depth of flavor. Some of the Cabernet Franc and all of the Syrah came from Monarch Mine Vineyards near Auburn, where an elevation of 2,300 feet and reddish soils high in iron contribute a distinct astringency to the grapes. There is a dash of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, as well. It won a Silver Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

MURPHY VINEYARDS SYRAH, SIERRA FOOTHILLSList price 14.00; special buy price 7.99The Sierra Foothills area is Zinfandel and Syrah country. The quality is consistently impressive and the yield is steady. The warm days and cool mountain nights from this Auburn area vineyard make for a tasty but polished wine. This Syrah starts with a smoky nose of grilled fruits and ends with flavors of black cherries and allspice. It is made in the lighter style with brisk acidity and mouth-watering tannins. It is medium bodied with full flavors, but not overpowering allowing for a long smooth finish. The blend here is Syrah from the Sierra Foothills (80%), Cabernet Franc from the Sierra Foothills (18%) and Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa (2%). It pairs beautifully with pork dishes. It won a Gold Medal at the Riverside International Wine Competition and Silver at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

2010 ALAMOS RED BLEND MENDOZA, ARGENTINAList price 9.99; our price 8.99​Alamos is primarily known for its Chardonnay and Malbec. The newly released Red Blend offers a unique combination of traditional Argentine grapes with the Malbec base being blended with Bonarda. The dark berry fruit flavors are framed by spice and vanilla oak characters. Wine & Spirits gave it a 90-point rating.

Our wine tasting events in January will be limited to the first Saturday and the last Saturday, as in between, we will be on vacation. This Saturday we will be pouring some interesting wines that have arrived here recently from south of the equator. I enjoy the crisp whites from South Africa and for reds Argentina and Chile cannot be beat. Join us for a great way to kick off the New Year or, at least, a great way to kick off Saturday night.

2010 FLEUR DU CAP SAUVIGNON BLANC, STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICAList price 9.99; our price 7.99The wine is brilliantly clear and lime green in color with golden highlights. On the nose it teems with herbaceousness and ample green pepper ending with whiffs of rich melon and guava. This medium bodied wine has a crisp acidity which complements the tropical fruit flavors perfectly on the palate. It is the ideal accompaniment to seafood, steamed vegetables and poultry dishes.

2010 FLEUR DU CAP CHARDONNAY, STELLENBOSCH, S. AFRICAList price 9.99; our price 7.99This wine was aged in wood on the lees for only 4 months in order to maintain its fresh crispness. On the nose it displays citrus fruit and melon with a hint of vanilla oak in the background. On the palate it is dry but rounded and packed with apricot and citrus fruit, supported by lovely nut and vanilla oak. It works well with seafood and poultry whether grilled or served in a white creamy sauce.

2010 APALTAGUA PINOT NOIR RESERVA, CURICO, CHILEList price 14.00; our price 11.99The grapes come from Apaltagua’s own vineyard in Tricao in the Curico Valley. This Pinot emphasizes aromas of cherries and raspberries well combined with soft notes of oak. In the mouth it has smooth and elegant tannins that finish soft and delicate for a sophisticated finish. It serves well with Salmon and white meats, especially in red sauces.

2009 APALTAGUA MALBEC RESERVA, CURICO, CHILEList price 14.00; our price 11.99Grown on low ridges at the foot of the coastal mountain range in Maule Valley, this well structured Malbec stands out as a robust and velvety wine with red fruit flavors, such as cherries mingled with plums, truffles and a touch of pepper. It is perfect for grilled red meats and roasts.

2010 APALTAGUA CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVA, CURICO, CHILEList price 14.00; our price 11.99This Cabernet Sauvignon, from an excellent vintage, and has a nose of berries with hints of tobacco and dark chocolate. The bouquet is a precursor of what is to be experienced in the mouth, coupled with a ripe stone fruit character. This wine received minimal handling before bottling to preserve its unique body and flavors. This is a nice wine for prime rib with a sane amount of horseradish.

2007 KAIKEN “ULTRA” CABERNET SAUVIGNON, MENDOZA, ARGENTINAList price 18.95; our price 14.99​After coating your glass with an opaque purple color, the wine displays an expressive nose of cedar, spice box, black currant and blackberry. Full-bodied on the palate, it has spicy flavors along with good structure, and depth. Eighty percent of this wine was aged in French oak for 12 months which gives it a sophisticated character and a delightfully long after-taste. It received a 90-point rating from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. This is your wine for a steak dinner.

This Saturday is our last opportunity to present to you some recent acquisitions that are geared to party use. If you plan to do some entertaining this December, these wines should prove budget worthy while being quite tasty as well. On the 3rd of December we will be hosting our always popular, annual Opolo event. The 10th of December will feature Lisa Wherry pouring the Champagnes of France and sparklers of California. Our last event of the year, the 17th, (Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve fall on Saturdays) will be devoted to wines of J Lohr. We are ending the year on a high note.

2009 ONEHOPE CHARDONNAY, CALIFORNIAList price 11.95; our price 9.99One Hope is a line of wines produced by Robert Mondavi, Jr. to aid various charities. Fifty percent of the profits from Chardonnay sales will go to the fight against breast cancer. Grapes for the wine were sourced from Napa, Sonoma and the Central Coast. The bouquet reminds one of fresh apple blossoms along with honeysuckle. The crisp pear and apple flavors keep the wine vibrant as they play alongside the balanced oak and bright acidity. Use with seafood and poultry.

2009 WILLIAM HILL CHARDONNAY, CENTRAL COASTList price 12.00; our price 9.99Winemaker, Ralf Holdenried studied winemaking and viticulture at Germany’s prestigious University of Geisenheim and worked at several wineries in the Reinhessen and Nahe, before studying fermentation science, viticulture and enology at the University of California at Davis. Ralf joined William Hill Estate in 2007, after working as the winemaking director for Louis M. Martini’s small lot wine program, Cellar 254. If you like this fresh and bright apple-like Chardonnay you might consider stepping up to its big brother, the Napa bottling ($18.99), and I do mean big!

2011 GEORGES DUBOEUF BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAUList price 10.99; our price 9.69By French law, Beaujolais Nouveau is a young red wine made from the Gamay grape and bottled at the end of harvest. The first Nouveau vintage was released in 1951, making this the 60th anniversary edition. Beaujolais Nouveau was originally the wine of the vineyard workers, consumed to celebrate the end of harvest and giving them a first taste of the new vintage. The wines are vinified by carbonic maceration, which leaves them light in body and almost entirely free of tannins. The flavor profile is typically candied cherries, red plums, licorice and even bubblegum.

2009 MSH CELLARS MERLOT, NAPAList price 11.95; our price 9.99​MSH is the secondary label of Source Napa and Gamble Family Vineyards. This Rutherford Merlot is about as chocolaty as a wine can get, with rich red plum fruit and even, soft tannins. It is a big wine that delivers considerable value. This is a Napa red pricing with which you can live very well.

2009 RIEBEEK CELLARS CABERNET SAUVIGNON, SOUTH AFRICAList price 12.00; our price 9.99Riebeek Cellars was established in 1941 and is situated in Riebeek Kasteel at the foot of Bothma’s Kloof Pass. This medium-sized winery on the western coast of the Cape Province of South Africa sources its grapes from the fertile Riebeek Valley and the slopes of the mountain where the climate is very similar to the Mediterranean. The wine is made in a forward, non-complex style with a grapey core and a streak of roasted vanilla.

2009 ONEHOPE ZINFANDELList price 12.95; our price 9.9950% of the profits garnered from the sale of every bottle of the Robert Mondavi, Jr. made Zinfandel goes towards charities that support our Troops and their families. It is a juicy Zinfandel showing dark fruit flavors of plums and black cherries. There is the typical pepper and spice on the finish to add to the balance of the wine, and to our ultimate enjoyment.

No matter where you may be in the world today, your main vinous desire would be for something lighter, fresher and easier to drink. It is simply too hot for our favorite rich and heavy wines (except, of course, for the hard-core among us). With that in mind we are putting together some tasting events featuring wines from countries around the globe with the emphasis on summer use. The six countries we are visiting this week are:

PORTUGAL: ALIANÇA VINHO VERDEList price 8.95; our price 7.99Vinho Verde is the name of the northern wine producing region of Portugal and is mostly synonymous with the fresh, crisp, slightly spritzy wine that accounts for 25% of all wine produced in Portugal. It is typically 8-10% alcohol and has a refreshing acidity. The grapes used in the blend include Trajadura, Pederña, Loureiro and Alvarinho. Aliança tends towards luscious flavors of lemon meringue pie. The granitic soil, the climactic conditions and the grape varieties of the region give this famous wine its special characteristics of crisp fruit, flinty minerality and delicate aroma. Lightness and freshness make this low alcohol crisp white wine ideal by itself and as a perfect complement to seafood, hors d’oeuvres, chicken and veal. Try it with stir fry’s, spicy dishes and oysters, or any other shell fish.

SOUTH AFRICA: 2009 STELLAR ORGANICS CHARDONNAY, WESTERN CAPEList price 11.95; our price 9.99Stellar Winery, South Africa’s largest producer of fine organic wines, processes organically-grown grapes for the South African and export markets. The grapes are drawn from farms from the Western Cape hamlet of Trawal. This is an area famous for its spring flowers and is also the only semi-arid biosphere hotspot in the world. The winery is privately owned, with the workers having a 26% shareholding in the cellar. This is a lightly-wooded wine with a complex spicy, fruity nose and a fresh, citrus-like acidity on the palate. The back label is marked “Vegan friendly” whatever that means.

CALIFORNIA: 2009 CONUNDRUMList price 22.00; our price 19.99From year to year this is a blend of popular and esoteric white grapes including in no special order: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier and Muscat. The “puzzle” of Conundrum lies partly in guessing the range of grape varieties used, because the Caymus family never reveals the exact composition. It is a quintessential sipper offering copious amounts of ripe, silky fruit, tropical in nature, along with vanilla notes, honeysuckle and honeydew melon. The complexity of this wine is brought into balance with a rich, round, soft texture; and fresh, supportive acidity.

FRANCE: 2009 JOSEPH DROUHIN BROUILLY, BEAUJOLAISList price 20.00; our price 17.99Beaujolais Cru is the northern most appellation of Beaujolais, close to the Mâconnais border. This region constitutes ten separate areas, of which Brouilly is the largest, located at the foothills of the Beaujolais Mountains and produces some of the best quality wines from the Beaujolais region. Unlike the early drinking style found throughout most of Beaujolais, these wines are made to be cellared. Their ageing potential can be anywhere from three to fifteen years (or more) depending on the style and sub-region of the wine. The nose of this wine shows aromas of violet, lilac, sometimes blackberry and cranberry. It has supple tannins and lively acidity. On the palate, the wine leaves a pleasant note of blackberries and spice.

CHILE: 2009 TERRA ANDINA CARMENÈRE, VALLE CENTRALList price 12.00; our price 9.99This bottling is100% Carmenère, the “lost” grape of Bordeaux. It is a tasty blend of black currant, blackberry, grilled red pepper and black pepper, in the nose and on the palate. The wine shows balance and softness with silky tannins and a pleasant finish. Black pepper, blackberries and oak round out the flavor profile. Grapes are sourced throughout the Central Valley.

SPAIN: 2006 CASTILLO REAL MONASTRELL, BULLASList price 9.99; our price 8.99​The Bullas appellation in the south-eastern part of Spain, south of Valencia, is known for its Monastrell (Mourvèdre in France or Mataro in Italy). The grapes are grown in limestone soil through long, hot summer days and cool nights, resulting in a ripe, fruit-forward, and concentrated wine with a subtle mineral character.

Sauvignon Blanc may not be as well known as Chardonnay but it is certainly as versatile. The spectrum of aromas and tastes begins with grassiness, that is, herbaceousness. It is typically crisp showing good acidity with hints of stone fruit and melon. Some producers allow four to six months of wood contact to add complexity, and this can be interesting. The Sauternes area of Bordeaux makes the fabulous dessert wines from this grape, frequently blended with the companion grape, Semillon. This Saturday we will focus on the straight forward delivery of the grape to the fresh and easy styling of the wines selected from around the world.

2010 LAPLAYA SAUVIGNON BLANC, COLCHAGUA VALLEY, CHILEList price 7.99; our price 6.99; today only 6.29In the nose the wine shows floral aromas with lime citrus and a hint of honeydew melon. The lemon-lime citrus is at the front of the flavor experience with the typical grassiness following. It is bright and crisp, exhibiting some minerality and a lively acidity. The wine was aged for 3 months in stainless steel.

2010 RIEBEEK CELLARS SAUVIGNON BLANC, SWARTLAND, S. AFRICAList price 11.95; our price 9.99; today only 8.99Made in a definite herbaceous style, this Sauvignon Blanc also offers hints of green apples and tropical undertones of gooseberries that add fruit to the palate. Well-balanced with zesty acids, every glassful is fresh and crisp and perfect for warm summer days. It is very refreshing on its own and lovely with crisp salads, light seafood dishes and tapas. This is the wine to pair with steamed green asparagus.

2009 WHITE OAK SAUVIGNON BLANC, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, CAList price 14.99; our price 9.99; today only 8.99Bill Myers moved from Los Angeles to the Alexander Valley in the 1970s and began making wine; he quickly became recognized for producing wonderful Chardonnay, Zinfandel and what was to become White Oak’s flagship wine: Sauvignon Blanc. It has typical grassy herbaceousness but performs more in the grapefruit genre. Even in the finish there is a slight expression of grapefruit bitterness. This is a very good food wine with a fresh, crisp finish. Stock this one.

2009 ROBERT OATLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC, PEMBERTON, AUSTRALIAList price 15.00; our price 10.99; today only 9.89The Pemberton wine region in Western Australia, almost 2,000 miles from Mudgee, provides the perfect growing conditions for Sauvignon Blanc. The elevated cool, maritime climate of this region maintains the core freshness and zesty aromatics of the variety. Separate parcels were harvested at various maturity stages to produce a mix of interesting flavors. The early harvest captures the crisp zesty core of the wine while a slightly later harvest builds an element of tropical fruit flavors. The use of selected aromatic yeasts and cool fermentation temperatures has produced a vibrant and refreshing wine. 90 point rating by Tasting Panel Magazine

2008 DOMAINE DU ROCHOY SANCERRE, LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCEList price 29.00; our price 25.50; today only 22.95Domaine Rochoy sources the grapes from a single slope of flinty soils (called “Cailloux”) in the commune of Bannay. It is a finely textured wine, showing some gooseberry and tropical fruits and a sense of coolness also with savory spice and mouthwatering acidity. It has lovely purity, with vibrant, racy citrus peel, gooseberry and straw notes that stay persistent through the very long finish.

2010 KIM CRAWFORD SAUV. BLANC, MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALANDList price 17.99; our price 15.99; today only 14.39​This is a crisp and powerful, well balanced wine with intense aromas of gooseberry, passion fruit and citrus flavors. Look for upfront herbaceous aromas, backed by ripe fruit flavors of melon, passion fruit and crisp acidity. This light to medium bodied aromatic wine is a great match with salads, seafood and vegetarian dishes and perfectly acceptable to be enjoyed on its own! 89 points Wine Spectator: “Fragrant and tropical, displaying pineapple, grapefruit, dragon fruit and melon flavors. There’s a juicy acidity, with great persistence on the finish.”